Adolescent Health and Sexually Transmitted Infections
In this episode, “Adolescent Health and Sexually Transmitted Infections,” Elevate Youth Programming sat down with Christy Altidor and Jerrica Davis from the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) to discuss sexually transmitted infection (STI)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) trends and tools and resources to advance adolescent sexual health. Despite significant declines in teen pregnancies in the United States, STI rates are increasing, with almost half of new STIs occurring among youth aged 15-24. Disparities exist among youth of color, lower socioeconomic status, and who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ and are exacerbated by discrimination and lack of quality access to care. Comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, evidence-based sexual health education is the best method to increase consistent and correct use of barrier methods and decrease STIs. In this episode, we covered strategies and resources youth serving agencies can use to develop a referral system for adolescent health services and advance adolescent sexual health.
Ms. Altidor leads NCSD’s adolescent sexual health work, supporting capacity building and technical assistance to state leaders in health and education throughout the country. She also serves as a subject matter expert for training, program management, and empowerment of Disease Intervention Specialists. She is passionate about STI and HIV prevention and an advocate for reproductive health, health justice and equity. Ms. Davis also supports capacity building and technical assistance on adolescent sexual health to NCSD partners throughout the country. Her expertise includes facilitation of school-based social-emotional learning and sexual health education programs for teen girls.
The Elevate Youth Programming podcast was developed by RTI International and funded by FYSB. The Elevate Youth Programming content does not reflect the opinions of FYSB nor its training and technical assistance contractors but offers topics to provoke thought and provide grantees with tips and strategies to enhance programming.
Resources List
- Adolescent Health Initiative
- Adolescents and Young Adults
- CDC YRBS 2023 Data Summary and Trends Report
- Reducing STI Cases: Young People Deserve Better Sexual Health Information and Services
- National Coalition of STD Directors
- NCSD Adolescent Sexual Health
- Sexually Transmitted Infections – Get the Facts
- The Impact of the STI Epidemic on Adolescent Thriving
- Developing a Referral System for Adolescent Health Services
